CQU alumnus Nigel Jones is in his element as principal of an 11-student school in Central Queensland.

Nigel is the only teacher and principal of St Lawrence School, located between Rockhampton and Mackay, off the Bruce Highway.

He believes he has the best job in the world.

“Being a country teacher is very rewarding and offers great experiences,” Nigel said.

Nigel began his time at CQU as a STEPS student before pursuing the then Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree.

He graduated in 2001 and took up his first posting at Aurukun in Cape York, which he enjoyed immensely. He later taught at the Rockhampton Special School and Marlborough State School, before taking the principal position at St Lawrence, where he has been for the past 3 years.

This week, Nigel (or Mr Jones as he is now known) brought his students to CQU for a tour before heading on a school camp at Cooee Bay. They joined students from three other small country schools – Marlbough, Clarke Creek, and Carmilla.

The students toured the biology labs - getting a taste of using microscopes - and got up close with some Silver Perch at the fish ponds. They also enjoyed some sport testing with the School of Health and Human Performance. The day was complete with a lunch at the residential college.

Photo above: St Lawrence School Principal Nigel Jones (front) with Cheryl Cooper (teacher aide) and students including Isabelle Mawdsley, Jake Gahan, Touri Comerford, Francis Comerford, Toby Cash, Reece Beutel, Missy Maurer, Brooke Dwyer, Ashley Fletcher and Natasha Dick.

Photo left: Cheryl Cooper helps Toby Cash look at some specimens through the microscope in the biology lab.